Global travel marketplace Skyscanner has highlighted the top searched destinations from the UAE during the week of half term holidays.

Searches are up over 185% compared to the previous year. Booking windows for flights in February 2023 also witnessed increase compared to 2022, suggesting a return to pre-pandemic booking windows as consumer confidence continues to grow and travellers book flights earlier.

Flight bookings made more than 30 days before departure in February 2023 are up 7% compared to 2022, whilst flight bookings made less than 30 days before departure are down 6% from the previous year.

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India and Pakistan topped the list in international travel searches while Saudi Arabia was most searched destination in the GCC followed by Qatar and Oman.

Top 10 international travel searches

1. India (+292% increase compared to previous year)
2. Pakistan (+246% increase compared to previous year)
3. United Kingdom (+178% increase compared to previous year)
4. Egypt (+238% increase compared to previous year)
5. Thailand (+522% increase compared to previous year)
6. Philippines (-16% decrease compared to previous year)
7. Maldives (+569% increase compared to previous year)
8. Italy (+103% increase compared to previous year)
9. Germany (+143% increase compared to previous year)
10. United States (+162% increase compared to previous year)

Top 3 travel searches within GCC countries

1. Saudi Arabia (+494% increase compared to previous year)
2. Qatar (+626% increase compared to previous year)
3. Oman (+231% increase compared to previous year)

tanvir@dubainewsweek.com

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